Does anyone have problems with throat closing up while sleeping?

Posted by narelled23 @narelled23, Nov 21 11:55am

I have asthma and Bronchiestases with the asthma being silent for many years. Recently the asthma has made itself noticeable with breathing problems especially during the night. I am taking Symbicort but am still waking breathless often during the night with the feeling that my throat is closed up, sometimes clogged with mucus.

I am wondering if all the years of not treating silent asthma has led to more mucus membrane and narrowing of the airways.

Also concerned all the coughing and throat clearing has damaged my throat.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Asthma & Allergy Support Group.

I have had to take my own doctoring into my own hands. I had to find out what causes my breathing problems. Sore throat, not being able to breath and gasping for air. I have found that it is the air around me, that is making me sick. All the chemicals that are being pumped into the air either from stores I shop in or the chemically laden products that carry the FOREVER CHEMICALS, having people around me that wash their cloths in chemically scented detergent. All those things, like scents in laundry detergent, dryer sheets, or dryer products, perfume, cologne, hand lotion, shampoo hair cream, and the list goes on. I have to use FREE AND CLEAR products. Not unscented products because that means they are made the same but one more chemical was added to remove the scent.

REPLY
Profile picture for cahna2019 @cahna2019

Yes! I have the same problem, waking up middle night gasping because my throat is clogged up. Reassuring to hear someone else has same issue that I'm not imagining it. While my asthma gets attention, seems that allergies are not taken seriously as if a swollen tongue and clogged up throat are minor! Thanks for reaching out.

Jump to this post

@cahna2019

Have you had a sleep study done? In my case I am imagining it was caused as my airways collapsed due to sleep apnoea.

The mucus is probably asthma/bronchiestases.

I hope you can find a solution. I am still waiting on a specialist appointment.

REPLY

Yes! I have the same problem, waking up middle night gasping because my throat is clogged up. Reassuring to hear someone else has same issue that I'm not imagining it. While my asthma gets attention, seems that allergies are not taken seriously as if a swollen tongue and clogged up throat are minor! Thanks for reaching out.

REPLY
Profile picture for drsharon @drsharon

I’m glad you followed your suspicions. We want to live a long and healthy “old” age and that includes eliminating risks as much as possible. I personally would get a cpap if it would help me (sadly doesn’t help hypopnea) we can reduce heart attacks and strokes and just generally feel better if we get air. Good luck!

Jump to this post

@drsharon
I am just now watching a webinaire on Reflux and Dr Ameet Trivedi who is treating sleep apnoea and reflux as a result of restricted airflow which may be addressed by expanding the maxilla. Fascinating stuff. You may like to Google him.

"Dr. Ameet Trivedi explores the powerful link between holistic dentistry and airway health, revealing how issues like TMJ, sleep apnea, and acid reflux are often rooted in restricted airways. Drawing from his personal experience and clinical practice, he delves into how diet shapes airway development, the role of nasal breathing, and innovative techniques for expanding the maxilla."

REPLY
Profile picture for drsharon @drsharon

I stopped practicing 6 years ago due to asthma and would encourage you to speak to your doctor about this. I personally did not recommend splints for severe apnea and looked at the Cpap as the gold standard. You are correct about the sterilization issue but I’m not sure how much of a problem it actually causes. However, Untreated severe apnea is known to cause a variety of health problems so follow through on testing your results. Good luck to you.

Jump to this post

@drsharon - my husband had often woken me gently, as I was laying on my back and snoring like a herd of buffaloes stampeding across the South Dakota Plains. Sleeping on my sides I’m as quiet as a lamb. I now use a V shaped memory foam pillow - on top of my regular pillow - so that I am propped up. Result - no more snoring and, one very happy husband. 🇬🇧😊

REPLY

I’m glad you followed your suspicions. We want to live a long and healthy “old” age and that includes eliminating risks as much as possible. I personally would get a cpap if it would help me (sadly doesn’t help hypopnea) we can reduce heart attacks and strokes and just generally feel better if we get air. Good luck!

REPLY
Profile picture for drsharon @drsharon

Sorry- did not meet the criteria. Not overweight, many females, non smokers, normal neck size etc.

Jump to this post

@drsharon
Yes, this was what surprised me and I did the first sleep study self initiated because sleeping elevated on my back for reflux made my mouth very dry on waking. That was my only known symptom.

Recently I had occasion to have an ECG and the nurse had to leave the room for an hour leaving the result page on the table. It said enlarged right ventricle of the heart. Of course I Googled and discovered it was caused by sleep apnoea and had myself diagnosed by the time she returned. She said no it was all ok because the machine was set for a younger age (I am 74). While I was incredibly relieved, I suspect I have damage caused by sleep apnoea.

I appreciate your informed input. 🙏

REPLY

Sorry- did not meet the criteria. Not overweight, many females, non smokers, normal neck size etc.

REPLY

Oddly, enough, most of the patients in my practice who were confirmed to have sleep apnoea did meet the usual criteria. I referred any patient to ENT who was having trouble sleeping to confirm if there was sleep apnea. My suspicion is that it’s far more common than we realized and far more dangerous than most people realize

REPLY
Profile picture for drsharon @drsharon

I stopped practicing 6 years ago due to asthma and would encourage you to speak to your doctor about this. I personally did not recommend splints for severe apnea and looked at the Cpap as the gold standard. You are correct about the sterilization issue but I’m not sure how much of a problem it actually causes. However, Untreated severe apnea is known to cause a variety of health problems so follow through on testing your results. Good luck to you.

Jump to this post

@drsharon
Thank you. I am hoping for pisitive results. My understanding is that the splint may need further adjustments over time presumably as the apnoea worsens. It was a shock to learn that my apnoea was so bad as I don't meet any of the usual criteria for it.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.